Notebooks

I am all for recycling products into something new, so when I started hoarding old food boxes I'm sure nobody was surprised. From here we have made some really original notebooks.

 

Rock On: 1990s

Celebrating the 1990s gives me the perfect opportunity to bust out the henna, which definitely hit its stride in the states during the decade.

Rock On: 1970s

The 1970s saw the rise of disco and lava lamps, but other really awesome things like Tinkertoys and Macramé.

Our week will kick off with Willy Wonka and the Charlie Factory. Naturally we will be needing chocolate to mix in with our popcorn this week.

Our activity is two-fold this week. First up, is DIY String Art which has made quite the comeback in recent years so we are also on trend. String Art is super simple-pick up some cuts of wood about 12x12 or 10x10 or 8x8 (you get the idea). Grab some small nails (make sure they have decent heads so your string doesn't slip off). Embroidery floss is cheap and pretty easy to find. And hammers (many hammers).

From there all you need is patterns. Simple, simple patterns.

Tape patterns to the wood and then start nailing in around the border.

Then you start weaving your floss through in whatever pattern you desire.

The designs are limitless.

Additionally, you can also jazz up your wooden canvas too. Cover it or frame it out with washi tape or just give it a coat of paint.

That's really it.

Now the pet rocks are even easier. Bag of rocks, sharpies, googly eyes and a glue gun and you are ready to celebrate a truly random invention that made its creator a millionaire back in the 70s. That is definitely something to celebrate.

Rock On: 1960s

Oh the '60s-what fun! The hair, the clothes, the dancing....

Rock On: 1950s

We are kicking off our teen summer programming with the 1950s and I can't wait!

Rockin' Through the Summer

This summer is all about music and I couldn't be more excited. After taking a super long time to get a game plan I final hit the right note.

We are jamming through the decades this summer!

Safety and Security in Your Library

Do you work alone at your library?
Do you work at night? 
Do you work with the public?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then there are times you are at risk when you are at work. 

But luckily there are steps you can take to make you and your workplace safer.

If you are a solo librarian, find a buddy in town that you can call when you need back up. Make it someone who can be there in seconds and put them on speed dial or listed 1st in your contacts.

If you work at night, always work with someone else. Close together, lock up together and leave the building together. Make sure your outdoor lighting is bright.

Keeping safe while working with the public is on a case by case basis. However, there are some good resources for you:

Albrecht, Steve. (2015) Library security : better communication, safer facilities. American Library Association. 9780838913307

Graham, Warren Davis. (2012) The black belt librarian : real-world safety & security. American Library Association. 9780838911372.

Khan, Miriam. (2008) The library security and safety guide to prevention, planning, and response. ALA Editions. 9780838909492

Mallery, Mary. (2015) Technology disaster response and recovery planning : a LITE guide. ALA
TechSource. 9780838913154.